Can a monk grapple as a bonus action?

Can a Monk Grapple as a Bonus Action?

For the monk class in the popular tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), understanding the rules on grappling is crucial. According to the official 5th edition Player’s Handbook, grapple is one of the monk’s melee attack options. However, this leaves many players pondering the question: Can a monk grapple as a bonus action?

In this article, we’ll delve into the mechanics of grappling and find out whether a monk can indeed grapple as a bonus action.

Rules on Grappling for Monks

Before digging into the bonus action dilemma, it’s essential to understand the basic rules surrounding grappling for monks. Specifically, a monk can grab an opponent as part of the Attack action, triggering a melee attack. Furthermore, if the monk spends an action to grapple, the target becomes engaged with the monk, impeding their movement and freeing the monk’s hands and action for other purposes, such as attacking or focusing on their surroundings.

Grappling Procedure

To initiate grapple, a monk requires an Athletics skill check, which is resolved against the target’s Armor Class (AC). Note that Dexterity: saves on the target fail are possible, allowing a quick escape. Additionally, if the monk has leverage or additional abilities, those may further influence the roll. This is crucial; grapple success relies mostly on Athletics vs. AC.

As per RAW (Rules-as-Described), here are the key points mentioned in the Player’s Handbook (p. 89-90):

• Any grappled creature drops its equipment.
• For every point of damage from a grapple-focused monk (more specific), the target’s effectiveness at resisting the grapple improves (1 point of bludgeoning damage).
  • Level 1; DC 15 Dexterity saving throw,
  • Level 15; DC 16 Dexterity saving throw.
  • Level 20; DC 17 Dexterity saving throw.
• A prone target in a grappled condition is considered grabbed and disarmed.

What happens to the monk itself while in a grappled condition? Well,

• Restriction: A monk currently grappled cannot end the grapple using themselves.

Can a monk grapple as a Bonus Action?

Now, when exploring the possibility of whether a monk can grapple as a bonus action:

1. No, but with restrictions: Monks do not have the same capabilities as other classes during the Attack action. Each grapple act counts as an Acrobatique action-type.
   • This type has limited possibilities for bonus maneuvers.

A monk’s capabilities and resources are mainly tied directly to the Attack (one melee attack) sequence.

Restraining an Enemy

Limiting movement: When disengaged, the effect persists.

• All targets affected by a bonus action of this type fall asleep instantly.

How Monks Can Grapple Effectively

To reap the most benefits from grappling actions:

• Use Martial Arts for a bonus Attack action
  • Enhance Dexterity, focus on saving throws, using this, and
    Dexterity: saving your monk and allies.

Using your actions wisely, to secure additional opportunities, makes grapples more achievable.

1. More important for Action
2. Important: Restricting Target Options